Meeting to decide Armstrong Tour de France participation

Seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong would like to meet with the organizers of the worlds biggest bike race before making a final decision on his participation. Italian newspaper The Gazzetta dello Sport quoted Team Astana manager Johan Bruyneel as saying, "The decision will be made down the road, after having talked with the organizers. We have requested a meeting."

There has been much controversy over Armstrong's comeback since it was announced back in September. The volume was especially loud given the fact that his new team Astana was banned from the race this past summer despite having defending champion Alberto Contador on its roster.

Since Armstrong's announcement Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme has agreed to let team Astana ride in the race. But what would normally be a cause for celebration turned to controversy with speculation on who will actually be leading the team come July. A lot can happen in eight months, and with three potential winners in Armstrong, Contador, and Leipheimer only time will tell.